Slovakia: Authorities lift quarantine measures in Bystrany April 25 /update 6

Event

Slovak authorities lifted a quarantine in Bystrany on Saturday, April 25, one of the five Roma settlements which were locked down on Thursday, April 9. Authorities had earlier closed off the settlements due to cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) being reported in these areas. On Monday, April 20, plans for the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown measures were announced. Small shops, sporting grounds, outdoor marketplaces, and restaurants for takeaway meals can begin reopening as of Wednesday, April 22. Priority shopping hours for seniors have also been shortened from 09:00 to 11:00 (local time).

A state of emergency remains in effect as of Monday, April 20. All shops apart from food stores, pharmacies, banks, post offices, and petrol stations have been closed since March 16. Public gatherings, sporting events, and religious services remain prohibited and schools and universities are closed until further notice. Individuals in Slovakia are permitted to travel to work, food stores, and to the doctors where necessary. Public transportation services are operating on a reduced schedule and a mask must be worn while traveling.

Additionally, an entry ban on non-residents remains in place and all international travel by air and land is suspended. Individuals entering the country must pre-register with Slovak authorities and immediately enter mandatory quarantine at a government facility for 14 days. After an individual has tested negative for COVID-19, they are allowed to self-isolate at home for another two weeks.

To date, authorities have confirmed 1373 cases of COVID-19, including 17 associated fatalities. Further spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly, and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care urgently and share your previous travel history with your health care provider.